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Drax has overhauled its biomass policies and set up an independent advisory board as it seeks to ensure its use of the coal-replacing feedstock meets the the highest standards.

Scientists, academics and forestry experts will now keep a check on the sourcing and operations, as the power giant strengthens a commitment to use the latest science and best practice.

The company has vowed to working with academic institutions and non-profit organisations to meet its core commitments to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, protect the natural environment, support people and communities and carry out research and outreach.

LaSalle Forest, Louisiana, from where Drax Group sources biomass to ship to the UK. (Image: Jonathan Banks/ Vismedia)

The North Yorkshire giant also details the evidence the company will gather to increase transparency on its biomass sourcing and impacts.

These include using big data and satellite images to evaluate forest cover and biodiversity in areas that supply the material it now burns to power four huge units.

This comes in addition to the company’s current commitment to certification through the Sustainable Biomass Program, a globally recognised certification system designed for biomass from wood for use in energy production.

Will Gardiner, Drax Group chief executive. (Image: Daniel Lewis)

Drax Group chief executive Will Gardiner said: “We’re committed to continuously raising standards in biomass sustainability, so our sourcing policies must evolve as the science develops.

“With stronger policies in place and an independent board to challenge us every step of the way, we will be setting the standard for others to follow, which is important as sustainable biomass plays an increasing role in addressing climate change.”

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The UK government’s former chief scientific adviser, Sir John Beddington, will chair the six-member IAB, which will provide independent advice to Drax in all areas of its biomass sourcing including procurement practises and feedstock options.

Sir John Beddington, new chair of the Drax Group independent advisory board on biomass. (Image: Drax Group)

Sir John said: “The IPCC and Committee on Climate Change both recognise that sustainably sourced biomass will play an important role in meeting climate change targets. I decided to chair the IAB because it’s vital that biomass is sourced sustainably and takes the latest scientific thinking into account.

“As the science evolves, we will make recommendations to ensure that the biomass used at Drax makes a positive contribution to our climate and the environment.”

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Drax’s biomass sustainability policy draws on recommendations made by Forest Research, the research agency of the Forestry Commission, in a report commissioned by the European Climate Foundation, a philanthropic foundation.

The Forest Research report recommends 15 key criteria to deliver sustainable biomass that has the best outcome for the environment. These include favouring biomass that is associated with activities to conserve and enhance forest growth and productivity and a commitment not to take from sources that lead to deforestation.

Following the conversion of two thirds of the power station to use biomass instead of coal, Drax has reduced its carbon emissions by over 80 per cent since 2012, making it the UK’s biggest renewable power generator and Europe’s largest decarbonisation project.

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The bulk of the material is imported via a purpose-built reception facility at Port of Immingham, where £130 million was spent by Associated British Ports to create the infrastructure.

Drax Repower project, which includes 3.6GW of gas-fired generation and 200MW of battery storage. (Image: Drax)

The company has plans to go further in its decarbonisation with the development of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage technologies which could enable Drax to become the world’s first negative emissions power station in the 2030s.